Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3717, Matthew Fowler, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Fowler, Matthew Sarah
R 3717
CONTENTS

6637 / Maine /
Matthew Fowler,
private
Massachusetts line - 3 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of the District of Maine at the rate of — 8 — Dollars per month, to commence the 4 th of April 1820
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th of Feb y 1829 and del d R. C. Dore
Arrears to 4th of Sep r . 1818, 5 mo. 1/30 - 40. 26 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 March 1829 48. 00
$ 88. 26
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Unity,
Contine

Notification sent the 10 th of July 1920, to R. C. Vose Esq.
Augusta - Maine
Stephen L. Campagna

Matthew Fowler. pr. col. Sprouts, Mass Reg. Feb 1781 to Oct 1783 3 years
April 4. 1810
Samithea
unity

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I Matthew Fowler, aged fifty three years, born in Nova Scotia, but a citizen of the United States, having resided therein since I was six years old, now of Unity in the District of Maine, upon oath testify and declare that I enlisted as a private soldier into the continental service of the U. States, against the common enemy, in June 1780 for the term of six months, into the company commanded by Lieut Boinhall and regiment commanded by Col. Barford, fourteenth regiment Massachusetts line, which time I served out and was honorably discharged at West Point. In February 1781 I enlisted as a private soldier into the continental service of the U. States against the common enemy for the term of three years, into the company commanded by Capt Drew, and regiment commanded by Col. Ebenezer Sproat of the Massachusetts line. I served until October 1783, at which time I took my honorable discharge from the army at West Point signed by Genl Knox. My discharge is not in my possession was in the battle of Kingsbridge under General Lincoln, and was at the taking of Cornwallis. I am indigent and in need of the bounty for the government. And I do hereby relinquish all my claim to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the U. States, if any; but I am not to my knowledge born on any pension list whatever. I request that I may be put upon the pension list for the District of Maine.
Matthew Fowler

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec ss
On the fourth day of April A D 1818 Matthew Fowler, also named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed
Before me
Chief Justice C. Court C Plead Second Eastern Circuit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I Adin Briggs of Stark in the District of Maine, of lawful age, upon oath testify and declare, that I am well acquainted with the within named Matthew Dowling. I know that he served in the continental army from Feb'y 1701 to Oct. o 1703 as he has within stated. He is indigent, and in need of the bounty of the government, and is fully to be believed.
Adin his X Briggs mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Kennebec Co.
On the fourth day of April A.D 1818, Adin Briggs above named, after having been carefully examined, made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him signed, the same having been first distinctly read to him — Before me,
Nath an Weston Esq. Chief Justice C. Court C Pleas, Second Eastern Circuit

Feb. 19 167
Matthew Fowler
(6637)
Constance
(March 10/99)
R. H. Vose. Augusta. Maine.

Copy.
State of Maine.
167
KENNEBEC COUNTY, ss.
ON this twenty sixth day of May, 1820, personally appeared before Nathan Weston Juno Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, being a Court of Record for said Counties, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having original jurisdiction, unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having the power of fine and imprisonment, Matthew Fowler aged fifty six years, resident in Unity in the County of Kennebec within said Circuit, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. in the Company commanded by Captain Drew and Regiment commanded by Colonel Sprout of the line of the State of Massachusetts upon the Continental Establishment, for the period of three years, and was at the taking of Cornwallis
that his original declaration was made before Judge Weston on the fourth day of April 1818; that he is now on the Maine Roll, and that his pension certificate is numbered 6637. And I, the said Matthew Fowler do further solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Matthew Fowler
The following is a Schedule of my whole Estate and income, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, viz: One small house unfinished of the value of forty five dollars - one cow of the value of sixteen dollars. Three calves of the value of five dollars one sheep of the value of two dollars Two swine of the value of seven dollars. Old household stuff, besides necessary bedding not exceeding eight dollars in value - one old plow of the value of one dollar one old ax and one old hoe, worth one dollar I have no debts due to me that can be collected and I owe as much as four hundred dollars. My income from property does not amount to the interest of the money that I owe. I am by occupation a laboring man, but from age and infirmity am able to do but little. My family at home consists of three viz myself my wife Sarah aged fifty nine years, able to do

but little, and my wife's father Nathan Burton an old man aged seventy five unable to labor and having no means of support.
Except the foregoing and my necessary clothing and bedding, I have no property whatever.
Matthew Fowler
Subscribed, sworn to and declared both the oath and schedule on the twenty sixth day of May 1820
Before me Nathan Weston Jr
E. J. 666 Pleas
Attest Copy
Matthew Wm Darr Clerk

9437 William Sarah Forde Dec 4 th Maine Act July 7 th 78
3717
m 88 a 42
Geo Wm Morton Augusta Maine

Declaration. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and the Act approved August 23 d . 1842.
State of Maine.
Kennebec County, S.S. On this third day of August A. D. 1843, personally appeared, before the District Court of Maine, for the Middle District, in Open Court, the same being a Court of record, Nathan Fowler a resident of Fairfield in the County of Somerset, and State of Maine, aged Forty seven years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" and the Act approved August 23. 1842. the same being made, on behalf of  for himself and on behalf of the other surviving children of Sarah Fowler, That the said Sarah Fowler was the widow of Matthew Fowler who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of March 18. 1818, upon the claim roll, that his pension was paid at the United States agency in Maine, to him up to the 4 th day of March 1842, that the pension from said 4 th of March 1842 to the 27 th day of April 1842 was paid at the same agency on the Power of Attorney of the said the Sarah Fowler as the widow of the said Matthew Fowler, he having died on the said 27 th day of April 1842. he has always understood The said Matthew Fowler and Sarah Fowler were married on the twenty eighth day of August Seventeen hundred

and eighty eight, that she remained unmarried ever after the death of her said husband Matthew Fowler, till her decease, and that she died in the town of Unity on the thirteenth day of October A D 1842 and that she left only five surviving children, whose names are as follows. viz Cynthia Baston, Lydia Larsen, Nathan Fowler, George I. Fowler and Matthew Fowler.
Matthew Fowler
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written viz August 3. 1842. in open Court.
W. Medington, Judge of District Court, Middle District being a Court of record.

Copy from the book of records of marriages belonging to the town of Winslow in the State of Maine
This certifies that Mr Mathew Fowler and Miss Sarah Burton Burtons marriage was solemnized in the town of Winslow, the twenty eighth day of August Seventeen hundred and eighty eight.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the records with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record, in plain legible figures "28 th day of August 1788"
Ira Burnham { Town Clerk of Winslow Maine
I, Ira Burnham, above named, depose and say that I hold the office of town Clerk of Winslow in the County of Kennebec and State of Maine, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Winslow August 12 th 1843 { Town Clerk of Winslow Maine
Ira Burnham State of Maine
Kennebec County, ss. August 12 th 1843, sworn to before me
Seward Almon Justice of the Peace.

October 10, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/HEL OW Matthew Fowler-R.3717
Mr. Ray W. Tobey Pine Cone Farm Fairfield, Maine
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Matthew Fowler, a soldier of the Revolutionary War and a pensioner.
A very careful examination has been made of the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.3717, based upon the military service of Matthew Fowler in that war and his record as contained in those papers is given below.
Matthew Fowler was born in Nova Scotia but resided in the United States from the time he was six years of age: the date of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown.
He enlisted, place not stated, in June, 1780, and served six months as a private under Lieutenant Brimhall, Colonel Bradford's 14 th Massachusetts Regiment; he again enlisted in February, 1781, served as a private in Captain Drew's Company, Colonel Ebenezer Sprout's Massachusetts Regiment, was at the battle at King's Bridge and the taking of Cornwallis, and was discharged in October, 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 4, 1818, at which time he was aged fifty-three years and resided in Unity, Massachusetts (Maine).
The soldier married August 28, 1788, in Winslow, Massachusetts (Maine), Miss Sarah Burton, daughter of Nathan Burton. Their marriage was recorded on the town records of said Winslow. In 1820, Sarah was aged fifty-nine years and in same year, her father, Nathan, was aged seventy-five years and resided with her and her husband in Unity, Maine. The name of Sarah's mother is not shown.
Matthew Fowler died April 27, 1842, in Unity, Maine, and his widow, Sarah, died on October 13, 1842, in said Unity.

The following children of Matthew and Sarah Fowler survived their mother: no dates of birth are shown.
Cynthia Baston.
Lydia Lamson.
Nathan Fowler, in 1843, aged forty-seven years and a resident of Fairfield, Somerset County, Maine.
George J. Fowler,
Matthew Fowler.
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Mathew Fowler a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
R. File 3717
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June 1780 6 mos. St. Brimhall Bradford 14 Mass.   July 1781 to Oct 1783 Priv. Emerson Elizer Sproat 2 Mass.  
Battles engaged in, King's Bridge taking of Cornwallis.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓
Date of application for pension, Apl. 4 1818. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Unity Maine
Age at date of application, born in Nova Scotia resided in Ul from
Remarks: He time he was 6 yrs old. 1820 soldier's wife's father Nathan Burton #75 resided with them. Sol. mar. Winslow, Maine Apl. 28, 1788 Sarah Burton dau. Nathan Burton.
he died Apl. 27, 1842 & she died Oct. 13, 1842 at Unity, Me. leaving child - only - Cynthia Baston, Lydia Farnson, George J. Fowler, Matthew Fowler & Nathan Fowler at 47 yrs in 1843.
Very respectfully,

Pine Cone Farm Fairfield, Maine August 30th, 1933
U. S. Pension Office Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs:
I am searching for information about a Revolutionary soldier, Matthew Fowler, of Unity, Maine. His pension was granted February 6th, 1819 to commence April 4th, 1818 - Revolutionary Claim No. 6637. I should very much appreciate receiving a copy of the application and a transcript of the record pertaining pertaining to this claim.
Very truly yours,
Ray W. Tobey Ray W. Tobey

374 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston, Mass., Aug. 15, 1910.
Chief Clerk, Pension Department, Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
I have the honor to ask for a copy of the papers in the case of Mathew Fowler, who as a Revolutionary Soldier was given a pension Feb. 6, 1819. At which time he was a resident of Waldo County, Maine.
Yours truly,
Chas. C. Whittier
AUG 17 1910

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
3717
P. O. David Fowler
Service: widow Matthew Fowler
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

1910 Aug. 22. Hist. to Charles C. Whittier & 1933-Oct 10. Hist. to Ray N. Lotry

I, Jeremiah Thayer of Sidney in the county of Kennebec and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Sixty One do testify and declare upon oath that I well knew Matthew Bowler now of Unity county and commonwealth aforesaid, as a private soldier in the war of the revolution against the common enemy and that the said Matthew Bowler served in the revolutionary war in the year 1781 and that I fully believe he enlisted for the term of three years and I have no doubt that he served as he has stated in his declaration and was honorably discharged. Jeremiah Thayer
Kennebec ss
This twenty seventh day of January A.D. 1819 personally appeared the above named Jeremiah Thayer and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed
before me Joseph Chandler Justice of the Peace
H. R. Lib. 5. 1829. I certify that Joseph Chandler
Esq is - Just as I have known him, I am well acquainted with the above deponent Jeremiah Thayer, he is in my opinion a credible witness and also A. S. Alden Esq who subscribed the affirmed deposition is a credible witness -
Joshua Gage

Augusta, Maine
May 1. 1844
Sir
The papers relating to the claim of the Children of Sarah Fowler deceased are on file in your Office. I herewith enclose a certificate of the Justice of Peace relating to their claim, the services rendered by their late father Matthew Fowler are borne on no rolls in possession of the State, but without any reasonable doubt exceeded two years. Should you deem his services of his Service sufficient to allow their claim. I would respectfully request you to transmit to transmit for them a certificate
Very respectfully
Yours Obediently
Geo. W. Morton
James G. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions City of Washington

Augusta Maine
August 18. 1843.
Sir
I herewith transmit a declaration &c. for the purpose of having the claim of the surviving children of Sarah Fowler and allowed. Matthew Fowler the late husband of Sarah, was a pensioner under the Act of March 18. 1818 and died on the 27 th of April 1842. his wife survived him and remained his widow, and died on the 13 th day of October 1842 leaving five children who it is supposed is entitled to the amount of pension that would have been allowed their mother. I respectfully request you to examine the papers and if satisfactory allow their claim, and send me a certificate for them.
Very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Geo W. Morrison
James L. Edwards Esq. Committee of Pensions Washington City D.C.

09437
by Sarah Fowler Died Maine
Suspended Repealed
Set to G. M. Martin Oct 4. 1805 " " " " Sep 21. 1844.
Act. July 7 th 38

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
To the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War of the United States.
I the subscriber, being Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset, do hereby certify to your Honor, that Matthew Fowler , a citizen of the United States, now resident in Unity , in the said County of Kennebec , in the District of Maine, on the fourth day of April , A. D. 1818, made application to me to receive his declaration under oath, and such other evidence, as was in his power to produce; and to transmit the same, and the proceedings had thereon, to your Honor; that he might be placed on the pension list of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war," passed March 18, A. D. 1818, which declaration, and the other evidence produced by the said applicant, is hereunto annexed.
And I do further certify to your Honor, that after a full examination of the said applicant, and a careful consideration of the evidence in the case, it appears to me that the said applicant did serve as a private soldier , in the war of the revolution, until the end thereof against the common enemy, upon the continental establishment, for more than nine months, as stated in his declaration aforesaid; and that from his reduced circumstances, he needs the assistance of his country for support.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Court in which I preside, to be hereunto affixed, this Twenty second day of May in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Nathan Weston  James C. Kent C. C. C. Pleas 2 d E. Circuit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
KENNEBEC, ss.
THE Subscriber, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, held within the said County of Kennebec, hereby certifies, that the Honorable NATHAN WESTON, Junior, Esquire, before whom the annexed proceedings were held, is Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Second Eastern Circuit of Massachusetts, embracing the Counties of Lincoln, Kennebec and Somerset ; and that by the direction of the said Judge, I have affixed unto his Certificate bearing his signature, the seal of the said Court in which he presides.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand : Dated at Augusta, in said County of Kennebec, this tenth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "Nathaniel D. Dyer". The signature is written in dark ink and is positioned to the right of the date.

State of Maine.
I John Davis Clerk, for the County of Kennebec of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the second Eastern Circuit, embracing the counties of Lincoln, Ken- nebec and Somerset, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and that the original was exhibited in open Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, including debts due to the declarant therein stated, is eighty five dollars and nothing cents; and deducting therefrom the amount of what the declarant owes, as set forth in said Schedule, the value of said property in the opinion of said Court, is nothing dollars and Cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twentieth day of June 1820.
John Davis Clerk of said Court for the County of of Kennebec

I Samuel G Stevens of Monmouth in the County of Waldo and State of Maine do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Matthew Fowler and Sarah Fowler for upwards of thirty years, and know the said Matthew was a pensioner of the United States, and died in said Monmouth in the month of April 1842. His repute wife the said Sarah survived him, and remained ever after unmarried. She died in the said town of Monmouth on the thirteenth day of October 1842, that I resided in the same neighborhood with them and was intimately acquainted with them and their children. They were always supposed to have been legally married, and I never heard it doubted, and I have no doubt more. They brought up a family of children five of whom survive.
Samuel G. Stevens
State of Maine
County of Waldo, ss.
On the 12 th day of August 1843, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and of said County of Waldo Samuel G Stevens (well known to me to be a credible person and entitled to belief & credit) and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me
Thomas Chandler Justice of the Peace.

G. M. Morton
Oct 4, 1843

Pension Office Oct 4 1843.
Sir.
The papers in the case of Sa- rah Fowler deceased claiming a pension under the Act of July 7 th 1838, have been examined and filed. The proofs of the date of the marriage the identity of the claimant and death are satisfac- tory. The certificate of the Secretary of State of Mass s should be produce- ed to show how long Matthew Fowler served as the present is a pro rata allowance and Matthew Fowler was a pensioner under the Act of 1818. Matthew Fowler asserts a service of 6 months in 1780 under Lt Boimball and Col e Bardford - also three years service commencing Feb y 1781 under Capt n Drew in Col d Sprouts Reg t Mass s line. His name does not appear on the rolls in this office.
George W Morton Esq y Augusta Maine
N o 9437 H Ret July 7 1838

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Nov 22 1863.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that there are no rolls of Lt. Joshua Wramhall in Col. Bassford's regt. for 1780. and no rolls of Capt. Wramhall (Spence's regiment) as alleged by the widow of Matthew Wramhall. nor are there any rolls in this Office upon which the name of Matthew Wramhall appears.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
M. A. Dole
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Pension Office,
October 4. 1843.
Sir,
The papers in the case of Sarah Fowler deceased, claiming a pension under the act of July 7. 1838, have been examined and filed. The proofs of the date of the marriage, the identity of the claimant and death are satisfactory. The certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts should be produced to shew how long Mathew Fowler served, as the present is a pro rata allowance, and Mathew Fowler was a pensioner under the act of 1818. Mathew Fowler asserts a service of six months in 1780 under Lieutenant Poinbale, and Colonel Bradford; also three years service, commencing February 1781, under Captain Drew in Colonel Spratt's Regiment Massachusetts line. His name does not appear on the rolls in this office.
If the service of Fowler last mentioned is not recognized by the act of 1818, the amount of his service should be added to that of his wife, if she is entitled to a pension.
I am my respectfully, Your obedt Servant, G. M. [Signature]
Geo. M. Morton, Esq., Augusta, Maine.

C O P Y
Pension Office September 21, 1844
In the case of Sarah Fowler, I have to inform you that her claim is barred by the act of 20" April last which provides that no pension shall hereafter be granted a widow for the same time her husband received one; the act of 7 July 1838 was limited to 5 years from 4 March 1836. Her husband Mathew Fowler was a pensioner to the day of his death which took place on 27 April 1842 and she survived him but a few months. There was nothing due Mrs. Fowler at her death which her children could claim.
* * * * *
G.W. Morton, Esq. Augusta Maine.

State of Maine
County of Kennebec ss.
District Court, Middle District, August Term, 1843, Re it known that in the third day of August A.D. 1843, it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court before the Middle District Court of Maine, the same being a Court of Record, that Matthew Fowler was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and died on the 27th day of April, 1842, leaving a widow named Sarah Fowler who remained unmarried ever after his decease; and that she died in Unity in the County of Waldo in the State of Maine, on the thirteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred & forty two, and that Cynthia Baston, Lydia Samson, Nathan Fowler, Geo. Fowler & Matthew Fowler are the only surviving chil- dren of the said Sarah Fowler deceased.
And I, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the Hon. Asa Redington is sole Judge of said Middle Dist. Court, that Thomas Chandler is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Waldo, and that Seward Garcelon is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Kennebec: and the signatures hereto affixed purporting to be the said Redington, Chandler & Garcelon's respectively are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court this seventeenth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & forty three.
A. R. Nichols Clerk of Judicial Courts for Kennebec County.